Occidental Brothers Dance Band

Bluestem Jazz and WORT Present The Occidental Brothers.  The Occidental Brothers bring a blend of high-energy soukous, rootsy Ghananian Highlife, and African Jazz conjures the sound of the golden age of the African guitar band. Founded in Chicago, the group has included former members of Ghanaian superstars the Western Diamonds, TPOK Jazz, and Congolese legend Samba Mapangala. The band is led by guitarist Nathaniel Braddock, and co-founded alto saxophonist Greg Ward. They are joined by bassist Joshua Ramos on Makaya McCraven on drums.

In 2023, the group performed as a quartet in a large scale dance piece choreographed by the Brooklyn-based Ugandan-American choreographer, Edisa Weeks. 3 Rites Happiness premiered in New York City, presented by 651 Arts and the Weeksville Heritage Center. The group has just released its third record, Likambo Te, and Braddock will have just returned from DRC for these Midwest concerts.